As a New Mexico business owner, you need to make sure that your employees are safe from fire. You also need to make sure that they’re educated about the different types of fires and what kind of extinguishers will be able to put out those fires.
Generally, there are 5 different classes in which we classify the fire. Each of these types need different approach to put it off. Not using the right extinguisher can lead to further damage and this explains why everyone needs to be aware of the various kinds of fires.
Classes of Fires
Generally, there are 5 different classes of fire, each differing from the other in terms of where they erupt and what causes them. Knowing which class each fire belongs to can save both time and effort since you don’t have to use an extinguisher that’s not appropriate for the fire.
These classes are as follows:
Class A: Fires that involve organic solids such as paper or wood.
Class B: Fires that involve flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, paint, and alcohol.
Class C: Fires that involve electrical equipment/wire insulation.
Class D: Fires involving metals such as sodium, potassium, aluminum, magnesium & titanium.
The other two, lesser known, classes are as follows:
Class F: Fires that involve cooking oils and fats.
Class K: Fires that involve combustible cooking media such as animal or vegetable fat/oil/grease, cooking
Types Of Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers can be classified according to the types of fires they’re designed to fight. The different kinds of fire extinguisher available in the market include:
Types of Fire Extinguishers
- Type A Fire Extinguisher:
This kind is ideal for putting out fires involving ordinary combustible materials such as paper, wood, cloth, rubber, and plastics. The best thing about this type of extinguisher is that it can be used on Class A & B fires. It has a range of up to 9 meters.
- Type B Fire Extinguisher:
This kind of extinguisher is best suited for putting out fires involving flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, paint and alcohol. Firefighters usually carry them when they’re going to enter a burning building full of combustible liquids. This type is effective on both Class B & C fires.
- Type C Fire Extinguisher:
These extinguishers are the most effective ones when it comes to putting out fires involving electrical equipment or electrical wire insulation. If you’re stuck in a situation where there’s smoke coming from the ceiling, but the fire isn’t visible yet, this extinguisher is your best bet.
- Type D Fire Extinguisher:
These extinguishers are meant for fighting Class D fires which usually involve metals such as sodium, potassium, aluminum, magnesium, and titanium.
- Class K Fire Extinguisher:
These extinguishers are best suited for fighting Class K fires which involve combustible cooking media such as animal or vegetable fat/oil/grease and cooking oils.